With so many benefits and assistance programs offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to Overseas Filipino Workers around the world, it’s important for OFWs to explore the advantages of being an active OWWA member to this day. When you apply for membership, you have access to OWWA benefits that not all OFWs can claim. Moreover, you should renew your account every two years to keep it active.
Whether you have an agency or used your visit visa to acquire a job in Finland, you are encouraged to register an OWWA account to maximize your benefits. Generally, OFWs can qualify for membership if they are actively working abroad. You just need to submit all the necessary papers to process your application online. You can use the OWWA Mobile App to apply for or renew an account anytime and anywhere.
Requirements for OWWA in Finland
With an OWWA membership, Filipino migrant workers and their qualified dependents can enjoy different services and programs to create more opportunities in terms of their careers, living conditions, and even education. Active members are also entitled to claim financial aid and legal assistance in case of employer-related issues at their job site.
Finland is under the jurisdiction of MWO London, so OFWs can contact the office regarding their concerns or inquiries about their renewal. According to the Philippine Embassy in London’s guidelines, here’s a complete list of the required documents you need to submit to renew your OWWA status in Finland:
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form
- Copy of a valid Philippine passport with a data page
- Proof of active employment such as company ID, Employment Contract, Certificate of Employment, latest payslip, work permit, residence permit, bank statement for salary entries, or other documents that prove active employment abroad
- If dual citizen, a copy of the Certificate of Oath with the identification page
- Payment for OWWA contribution equivalent to US$25 in euros
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
Before you can proceed to the payment process, you need to secure all the documentary requirements and meet the qualifications. After the evaluation, you will get a confirmation to pay the contribution fee equivalent to US$25 in euros based on the current foreign exchange rate. Each paid contribution gives members a validity of two years regardless of their job location, contract duration, recruitment agency, and change of employer.
If you’re applying through the Consular Outreach Mission, the payment process will be on-site. For applications sent via the official Facebook page or email of MWO London, you will get an email notification including the payment instructions for OWWA renewal. There are also several payment methods to choose from if you’re using the mobile app to settle the fee. You can choose an e-wallet or bank transfer as well as over-the-counter payment with select payment centers in your area.
Here are the steps when paying through Consular Outreach Mission:
Step 1: Reach out to the MWO London or the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Helsinki to get the latest schedule for their consular mission in Finland.
Step 2: Get an appointment and prepare the required documents. Don’t forget your copy of the confirmed appointment.
Step 3: Proceed to the OWWA window during your appointment and submit all the requirements.
Step 4: Wait for the evaluation and see if you qualify before paying the fee.
Step 5: Claim your renewal receipt.
If you want to pay the membership fee via their Facebook page or email, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the OFW Information Sheet and fill it out.
Step 2: Scan your documents and send them to their Facebook page or london@owwa.gov.ph for evaluation.
Step 3: Wait for the email notification to see if you qualify before you proceed to the payment method. If you’re approved, follow the instructions in the email to pay the membership fee.
Step 4: Send the payment transaction to MWO London to get your e-receipt or schedule an appointment for the official receipt to be released by the Philippine Embassy in London.
Procedure for Getting an OWWA Finland Appointment Online
As mentioned, Finland is under the jurisdiction of OWWA in London because there’s no designated MWO in the country. This also means that there’s no available online appointment system for OFWs when renewing their OWWA account. The best way to process your renewal is to contact the MWO office in London to get the actual procedure and requirements.
On the other hand, you can get an appointment via the Consular Outreach Mission that the MWO London and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Helsinki conduct from time to time. You may also contact the Philippine Embassy offices in Stockholm and Oslo to help you with your application. Lastly, you can schedule an appointment at any DMW branch if you’re in the Philippines for a short vacation.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Finland
One of the procedures for renewing OWWA status in Finland is through the Consular Outreach Mission service for on-site applications. Contact the concerned office to get an appointment and process your requirements. Another option is to send your application via email to MWO London. You can contact their official Facebook page for inquiries and other related concerns.
Make sure you have all the requirements and scan them so that you can submit them online. If you want a more convenient way to send your application, you can use the OWWA mobile app on your mobile device. Don’t hesitate to ask your recruitment agency to help you out with your renewal for faster transactions. Reaching out to the concerned office will make the process a bit easier for OFWs in Finland.
Video: How to Renew Your OWWA Membership Online
In this short video tutorial, you are going to learn how to process your OWWA renewal online using your mobile device. It presents the actual process of using the mobile app to renew your account.
Summary
Processing your OWWA membership in Finland doesn’t have to be tedious as long as you follow the steps and secure all the necessary documents. You have several options to pay the contribution fee at your convenience. Make sure to get the confirmation before proceeding to the payment process.
